10 Steps to ditching your toddler's dummy

Is it time to ditch your toddler's dummy? The longer you leave it to get rid of your toddler's dummy, the more attached they will become to it. Bite the bullet while they're young and the agony will be less in the long run (although it may not feel like it at the time!). Make a start and follow these 10 simple steps.

Is it time to ditch your toddler's dummy?

The longer you leave it to get rid of your toddler's dummy, the more attached they will become to it.

Bite the bullet while they're still young and the agony will be less in the long run (although it may not feel like it at the time!). The longer you leave it to take away their dummy, the harder and more attached they will become to it.

Weaning from 12 to 18 months is ideal, because dummies can cause real problems with older children.

The long term effects of using a dummy can push the palate of your toddler's mouth upwards, forcing their teeth out of line. It may also affect their speech and language development later on.

Getting rid of your toddler's dummy should be a gradual process. Perhaps start with a simple explanation telling them it’s time to give up their dummy and why.

It's important to let your toddler know the plan so that they’re fully prepared.

10 Steps to ditching your toddler's dummy

1. Don't rush to get rid of your toddler's dummy

You won't wean your toddler off their dummy overnight.

It's less stressful if you can try to plan to take a couple of weeks to get rid of their dummy, so everyone can make that gradual adjustment.

Start by explaining very simply, ‘You're a big girl/boy now. Dummies are for babies and smaller children.'

2. Make a dummy deal with your toddler

Agree with your toddler not to use their dummy outside the house.

Tell them: ‘We're going to the shops. We've agreed to no dummy, so we'll take a toy instead.'

If your toddler throws a tantrum whilst you’re out or before you leave demanding their dummy, stay calm and remind them of the deal.

Once they’re used to not using a dummy outside the house, you can start to limit it at other times too.

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